Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges: A Love Story From Steelers Jerseys to "4x4xU Eternally"

While Lainey Wilson's songs often explore themes of heartache, off-stage she enjoys an enduring romance with Devlin “Duck” Hodges.

The country music star publicly revealed her relationship with Hodges at the 2023 ACM Awards, though their relationship had actually started two years earlier. Wilson verified this timeline in June 2023, hinting that she nearly exposed their secret in April when she acknowledged Hodges during a live performance.

“Funnily enough, just a few weeks before the [awards] ceremony, my band and I performed in Pittsburgh, and we all sported Duck Hodges jerseys,” Wilson shared on The Bobby Bones Show. “That moment definitely sparked some speculation.”

Prior to his retirement in 2022, Hodges served as a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and several other NFL franchises. His moniker “Duck” originated during his university football career and bears no relation to his hobby of duck hunting.

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“He truly is an exceptional person,” Wilson commented about Hodges in June 2023. “He backs me completely, never hindering any of my aspirations. He always encourages me, saying, ‘Go for it, girl.’ And I kept him waiting for a bit. I mean … it’s been a bit more than two years now.”

The couple reached a significant landmark in February 2025 when Wilson revealed their engagement. Continue reading below for a chronological look at Wilson and Hodges’ relationship:

2021

The pair started their relationship at some point in 2021, a fact Wilson verified two years later.

July 2021

Wilson initially engaged with Hodges’ Instagram post after he shared an image of himself perched on a rural fence. “I’m your huckleberry,” Hodges wrote under the picture, leading Wilson to respond, “What's holding you back?”

April 2023

Wilson ignited rumors of a romantic connection with Hodges by sporting his Steelers jersey during her Pittsburgh concert. “Is Lainey Wilson wearing a @DevlinHodges10 at the concert tonight. He's going to be ecstatic when he discovers this,” a fan posted on X. Hodges noticed the tweet and replied, “Seriously?!?! You all are kidding !!!! @laineywilson reach out to me !!! 🏈.”

The artist also responded to the post, stating, “This is me calling out 🤠.” Hodges retorted, “OH.MY.GOD 👀 greetings.” Subsequently, the former NFL athlete shared images from the Pittsburgh performance, confirming his attendance.

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Earlier in April, Hodges alluded to their connection by posting a photograph seemingly taken at Wilson’s Stagecoach Festival show in California. He was dressed in a Wilson T-shirt, a yellow bandana, a camouflage jacket, and a cowboy hat. Hodges expressed his profound “gratitude for the bonds and experiences” while commemorating his birthday on Instagram.

May 2023

Only a few weeks following their social media exchange on X, the pair appeared together for the first time on the red carpet at the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards.

June 2023

“He’s been a part of my life for some time now,” Wilson remarked about Hodges during her visit to The Bobby Bones Show. “I simply chose to make him wait for two and a half years.” She informed host Bobby Bones that the former athlete is a “great guy.”

Wilson disclosed that Hodges has also formed strong bonds with her close friends. “It’s truly wonderful. I mean, he’s friends with everyone in my circle,” she explained. “He’ll video call me while he’s with Hardy or Cole Swindell and the rest of them. I jokingly tell him, ‘Could you please stop stealing my friends?’”

November 2023

Hodges accompanied Wilson and her family to the 2023 Country Music Association Awards held in Nashville. Following Wilson's triumph of five awards, notably Entertainer of the Year, her partner at the time lauded her achievements on social media.

“She's already heard what I'm about to say, but I want you all to hear it too. This woman is the most dedicated individual I know,” Hodges shared on Instagram, accompanying it with pictures of them looking affectionate at the awards ceremony. “Her commitment to her craft and her ambition to be her best self are truly inspiring. I am thrilled that all her diligent efforts continue to yield rewards. Congratulations on all your accolades last night, especially the most prestigious award! ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR!”

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He continued: “I’m so pleased that she serves as a favorite artist for many of you, singing your beloved tunes. Or that she’s a role model for your daughters. I’m simply grateful to have her as my closest friend. Love you LW 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆.”

January 2024

Wilson offered viewers an insight into her touring lifestyle in a CMT “On the Road” installment. Early in the episode, Hodges appeared, giving Wilson a kiss before her performance in Las Vegas. This segment was recorded in December 2023.

October 2024

Wilson offered a charming glimpse into her understated relationship by dedicating her track “4x4xU” to Hodges.

“Nowhere else I’d rather be #4x4xu @devlinhodges,” Wilson wrote alongside a video reel featuring her and Hodges in a vehicle, with the country song accompanying their picturesque journey.

February 2025

Wilson revealed her and Hodges’ engagement on Instagram, displaying her diamond ring. “4x4xU eternally ❤️,” she stated in the accompanying text.

October 2025

During a conversation with Southern Living, Wilson shared that she fabricated a detail to Hodges on their initial date — a strategy that proved successful. “I informed him that folks refer to me as Goose,” she recounted, alluding to her fiancé’s own nickname. “I wasn't being truthful, but he believed it. I believe his reaction was something like, ‘Oh, I’m smitten.’”

She further mentioned Hodges' impressive culinary skills, remarking, “He’s from Alabama, so he's quite adept in the kitchen.”

November 2025

In a feature interview for Us Weekly, Wilson spoke effusively about her connection with Hodges. “He’s truly a wonderful person. He is my closest confidant. He is my strongest advocate,” she expressed. “We provide mutual support. He comprehends that this profession entails many late nights and extensive travel, and while we may sometimes be ships that pass in the night, he consistently remains my steadfast support. He represents home to me, regardless of our location. I feel a sense of calm around him; he's a secure haven where I can simply relax and be myself.”

During the same month, Hodges was there for Wilson when she hosted the CMA Awards by herself for the first time. Upon Wilson receiving the night's highest honor, Entertainer of the Year, she acknowledged Hodges, stating, “We're tying the knot next year, can you believe it!”